Breaking Into Publishing: A Guide for Graduates

I know from our fantastic Publishing Academy Students that landing your first role in publishing can feel like trying to crack a code! Especially when job titles seem designed to confuse rather than clarify. If you're a recent graduate looking to break into the industry, understanding the nuances of job titles and knowing where to gain experience can make all the difference, so I've put together some useful info...

Decoding Job Titles: The "Assistant" Rule

The position of the word "assistant" in a job title tells you a lot about whether the role is entry-level or not :)

Editorial Assistant, Marketing Assistant, or Rights Assistant? These are typically graduate-friendly positions. When "assistant" follows the department name, you're looking at an entry-level role designed for people starting their publishing careers.

Assistant Editor, Assistant Marketing Manager, or Assistant Rights Director? These positions usually require prior experience. When "assistant" comes before the job title, it generally indicates a more senior role supporting someone at management level.

This distinction might seem small, but it can save you hours of application time and help you target the right opportunities!

Why Editorial Roles Are So Competitive

If you're passionate about working directly with manuscripts and authors, you should know that editorial is the most competitive side of the publishing market. I am absolutely not saying that you shouldn't pursue your dream career, but this is the department that attracts the most applicants, which means breaking in requires strategy and persistence.

The good news? There are proven ways to build the experience you need to stand out.

The Power of Volunteering

One of the most effective ways to gain editorial experience is through volunteering with literary journals and magazines. These publications are often run by small teams who genuinely need extra hands, and they offer invaluable experience that paid positions simply can't match. Community networking can give you a real understanding of how the industry ecosystem works, as well.

How to approach this:

Reach out directly to literary journals and magazines with your CV, offering your time as a volunteer. Be specific about what you can offer, whether it's reading submissions, copyediting, proofreading, or helping with social media. Many journals operate on tight budgets and will welcome enthusiastic, reliable volunteers.

Becoming a voluntary editor for a literary journal is particularly valuable. You'll learn how to assess manuscripts, understand what makes writing work (or not), develop an editorial eye, and gain insight into the publication process from start to finish. This hands-on experience is exactly what hiring managers look for when recruiting for paid editorial roles.

Your Action Plan

If you're serious about breaking into publishing, particularly on the editorial side, here's what you should do:

Focus your job search on roles with "assistant" after the department name. These are your best entry points as a graduate.

Build a list of literary journals and magazines that align with your interests. Look for publications that publish the kind of work you're passionate about.

Craft a concise, professional email explaining your interest in gaining editorial experience and what you can contribute. Attach your CV and be clear about your availability.

Be patient but persistent. Not every journal will respond, and some may not have capacity right now. Keep trying, and remember that even a few months of voluntary experience can significantly strengthen your applications for paid roles.

The Fly on the Wall Press Publishing Academy is accepting new students, and I'd love to have you:

The course is designed to be entirely self-paced, to fit around any existing work commitments that you may have. You can interact with the discussion forums as and when you see fit, and if you can't make an industry talk (these take place twice a month), they will be recorded and circulated with you afterwards.

Join us here!

Code: newyeargetintobooks  will get you £2 off your first month* and full access to the entire online course modules, as well as the discussion group 😄 Expires midnight 4^th of Jan!

*when you sign up for monthly access - 6 month access is already discounted by 20% :)

Cancel anytime, I am excited to have you!

Isabelle x